Thread: Punched Out - The Life and Death of a Hockey Enforcer / Derek Boogaard

Originally Posted by SirJW

Reposting since half my reply didn't make it.
I want to be clear I have never been an advocate of removing fighting in the NHL before. I have been a fan since the early 70’s; I have loved most of the fights. One that scared me was a knockout right in front of my seats a few seasons ago. I don't remember who hit whom but it was sickening to witness. I know no one gets up for a beer or to go to the bathroom when a fight breaks out. I have seen games when the crowd was dead, a fight breaks out and everyone is on their feet, cheering, yelling and screaming. It's a wonderful society we live in, isn't it.

I think most would agree about fighting (Keeping it that is)

Was it Flinn?

I will now probably buy Adam Proteaus book (Fighting the good fight) and read it even though it appears he is saying that fighting is ruining the sport.

No Flynn was on the other end of the ice. I think it was a King who knocked out the other.

Originally Posted by SirJW

I think it was a King who knocked out the other.

I remember seeing Kevin Sawyer getting knocked out by Kip Brennan (pretty sure it was Kip). It ended his career.

After reading all of this, I think it comes down to one main principle that separates the sides:

Do you believe that someone has the right to put themselves in harms way to make a living?
Of course, as in all arguments, there are levels to which you believe someone can do something that distinguishes whether it's right or wrong, but bottom line is, it's their choice. Do you believe NHLers get to make that choice, knowing the risk, or do you believe that choice should be governed?

That being said, SirJW has a point in that the children may make compromises to fulfill their dreams, and may not be mature enough to make that decision. I agree to some extent, but I don't think it holds much water when they mature.

This issue is clearly too complex to not be drinking while discussing...

Originally Posted by kingnut

I am not saying that fighting needs to be banned, however something needs to be done..

I would have no issue with fighting being OUT of junior hockey.

Originally Posted by gradin

I would have no issue with fighting being OUT of junior hockey.

That would be a start. This is what I was referring to and SirJw mentioned, that hockey was allowing this path for young teenagers.

I enjoy the playoffs and olympic hockey the most, and rarely do you see fighting there, no need for it, regular season, different story.

Originally Posted by Maddogg420

I cannot remember the last time a fight changed the momentum/result of a game.

How about Dan Carcillo vs Maxime Talbot? Carcillo started the fight....and ended up sparking the penguins to a victory.

That said-we talk about the 4 big names that have died recently but there are hundreds of former NHL hockey tough guys not to mention hundreds of more minor leaguers. The idea that this is a epidemic is pure media BS. I am sure there are baseball players who have died from alcohol and pain killers. Amy Winehouse-She died of these same things as well and last I checked she didnt play any games in the NHL though the Kings selected her in the 6th rd(171th overall) of the 2006 entry draft.

Last I checked arent these guys still alive??

Paul Bissonnette
George Parros
Jody Shelley
Shawn Thornton
Wendel Clark
Tie Domi
Stu Grimson
Joey Kocur
Georges Laraque
Marty McSorley
Cam Neely
Brendan Shanahan
P.J. Stock
Rick Tocchet

Originally Posted by Hipcheck

How about Dan Carcillo vs Maxime Talbot? Carcillo started the fight....and ended up sparking the penguins to a victory.

That said-we talk about the 4 big names that have died recently but there are hundreds of former NHL hockey tough guys not to mention hundreds of more minor leaguers. The idea that this is a epidemic is pure media BS. I am sure there are baseball players who have died from alcohol and pain killers. Amy Winehouse-She died of these same things as well and last I checked she didnt play any games in the NHL though the Kings selected her in the 6th rd(171th overall) of the 2006 entry draft.

Last I checked arent these guys still alive??

Paul Bissonnette
George Parros
Jody Shelley
Shawn Thornton
Wendel Clark
Tie Domi
Stu Grimson
Joey Kocur
Georges Laraque
Marty McSorley
Cam Neely
Brendan Shanahan
P.J. Stock
Rick Tocchet

Hey Hip,
Thats a different perspective, however if one death is linked fighting is it one too many? Also i am not advocating completely getting rid of fighting however to allow and promote young teenagers to fight should not be condoned.
Just my .2 cents